I just bought a 99 rx300 awd w/84k mi and am very happy with it, but the other day I took the oil filler cap off and looked down there and noticed a coating of what apperared to be baked on oil on the metal shield (splash shield inside the valve cover). I scraped it with my fingernail and it came off in big flakes. Has anyone else noticed this in the rx300? I'm wondering if this is just a "hot spot " of the motor or if it is a symptom of overheating or gelling. Any help would be appreciated. I've had it about a month and it has a 3 mo powertrain warr.so I would like to have it fixed if it is a sign of a bigger problem.
Thanks

 

Did you get service records for the vehicle (ALL oil changes accounted for in a timely manner)? It could be nothing or it possible you might have an engine sludge issue depending on the answer to my question above.

 

The splash shield does not get cooled, so it is a hot spot and can accumulate a small amount of baked-on oil over time. It is normal. If you want to clean it, buy a bottle of B-12 Chemtool or use your wife's nail polish remover. Don't let those flakes get inside the engine though. I'd leave it alone.

FWIW, I have seen two RX300 oil gelling issues posted here. Both were recently purchased CPOs (certified pre-owned.) And in both cases, the engine problem surfaced within 6 months. My guess is that some people neglect changing the oil when they are about to sell their cars. Unfortunately there's no way of inspecting the inside of the engine other than taking it apart. (GE does not make MRI machine for cars.) If you have the previous owner's service record, that'll give you peace of mind.

 

Thanks for your replies. I have service recoreds from the first owner (lexus serviced) , but not from the second owner who bought it CPO. The oil is still very clean after I've had it about 1k so I will take that as a good sign and hope for the best. I know there is a controversy about tranny flush, etc. How do you feel about the engine flush products that you put in right before an oil change?

 

Welcome to CL, bkim! Don’t worry about that discolored oil splash, like Harrier said, it’s normal. If your new RX was serviced by a Lexus dealer, those service records should be available to your dealer’s service department. If it was serviced elsewhere, you are probably still OK. Enjoy your new RX!

 

Lexus has a special 8-year unlimited-mile engine warranty on some RXs due to oil gelling issue. Don't know if your RX is one of them (mine is, but no problem so far.) If something happens to the engine, be sure to mention the special warranty.

Change oil every 5,000 miles. Don't use the 7,500-mile interval per my dealer. Never flush engine or tranny. Never put snake oil in your car. Never put additives in the gas. Enjoy your RX.